Tom and Nancy Clark
Farm Owners
Tom was raised on a farm and has been around Thoroughbreds his entire life. He purchased his first racehorse in 1984 and has been actively involved in the industry ever since. Nancy earned her degree in Animal Science at the University of California at Davis. After graduating, she managed an Appaloosa and Thoroughbred breeding farm in the 1980’s, which is now Victory Rose Thoroughbreds.
Since purchasing the farm in April of 2000, the Clarks have transformed Rancho San Miguel into one of the leading stallion stations in California and the nation, investing in new pastures, barns, equipment, and housing for employees. These additions have allowed them to hire the most highly trained and skilled horsemen. As knowledgeable horse people and clients themselves, Tom and Nancy understand the importance of providing the best possible care.
Dennis Yokum
General Manager
New to the farm in the fall of 2019, Dennis has nearly a half-century of experience in the thoroughbred industry. Before joining Rancho San Miguel last November, he had worked for some of the most successful racing and breeding operations in California and across the country, including: Charlie Whittingham, Dick Dutrow, John Gosden, Hobeau Farm, Domino Stud Farm, Calumet Farm and Spendthrift Farm. In this century, he has enjoyed success at the highest levels as an independent owner/breeder; and in managing the farm and racing interests of Mercedes Stable and Premier Thoroughbreds. Paying attention to detail and doing right by the horse are two of his guiding principles. He is honored to carry on the legacy of the late Clay Murdock, and continue his vision for Rancho San Miguel.
Dennis Yokum: “Running Rancho San Miguel is truly a team effort. Everyone pitches in, and our success is due to the respect we have for each member of our team and the desire to make every horse benefit from the care and attention they receive.”
Sydnee Brown
Assistant Farm Manager, Broodmare Manager
Sydnee is a lifelong horsewoman who began her career in her native Montana. She’s been around horses her entire life, and that has given her the sixth sense she has when it comes to their health and well-being. With more than 30 years of experience, she came to Magali Farms in December of 2013 as the assistant farm manager. And when Magali ceased operations in 2017, she came to Rancho San Miguel with many of those horses. Entering her third year at Rancho San Miguel, Sydnee’s primary role is that of Broodmare Manager. She dedicates her life to the Farm working all day every day 365 days a year, monitoring the health of the entire horse population and working closely with the veterinarians to treat the horses under their care.
Gerardo Gaytan
Assistant Farm Manager, Yearling Manager and Sales Preparation
Gerardo began his horse career at Harris Farms in 2001, and over the years worked in many phases of their operation. He handled stallions, worked with the vets, and was the assistant for the sales prep for 10 years. In January of 2017 he joined the Rancho San Miguel team. As the yearling manager his primary focus is on yearlings and also sales preparation. He is the crew chief, and he assigns the crew to their duties each day. And, as we work our way into the breeding season, Gerardo handles the teaser as we go through the mares each morning.
Ciriaco Cisneros
Stallion Manager
Ciriaco is the longest tenured employee here at Rancho San Miguel, starting his horse career here in June 2004. He has had various roles over the years but found his niche four years ago when he became the assistant in the stallion barn. Two years ago, he embraced the role of stallion manager. He takes great pride in his stallions, and they have a mutual respect for each other.
Johanna Young
Assistant Breeding Manager
Johanna grew up riding event horses. The sport kick-started her equine career by providing her critical, invaluable lessons in equine management. She graduated from UC Davis in 2017 with a B.S. degree in Animal Science and Management, with an Equine Reproduction specialization. Now, at Rancho San Miguel, Johanna works as the Assistant Breeding Manager. She maintains health and reproductive records on the Farm, assists veterinarians with procedures, and manages the veterinary clinic inventory.
Billie Evans
Office Manager and Head of Human Resources
Born and raised in Southern California and with a degree in Organizational Management from the University of Southern California, Billie has over 30 years of experience in Human Resource Management including employee relations, employee benefits, training, litigation and internal operations. She is an expert in California Labor Law and also has extensive accounting experience having served as a staff accountant at a large firm. Billie is bi-lingual which promotes better overall communication with the staff and customers. Billie joined RSM in June, 2019 and has helped raise the professional level of the management team.
Our Veterinary Team
Rancho San Miguel is blessed to be supported by a very experienced, hard-working and capable team of veterinarians. Dr. Joy Altermatt oversees our reproduction activities, Dr. Kim Sprayberry focuses on the health of young foals and respiratory issues and Dr. Matt Burd is responsible for all other areas of care including gut health, bones and joints and any other sickness or accidents that may happen from time to time. Please click below to learn more about our great team of doctors:
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